FAQs

Question

What is a handfasting?

Answer

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic and Pagan ritual, dating back over 2,000 years, where a couple’s hands are tied together with cords, ribbons, or fabric to symbolize their union and commitment. It's where the phrase tying the knot actually comes from.

Question

What kind of ceremony is this?

Answer

This is a ceremony that speaks deeply to both of us, combing several different traditions from our backgrounds and interests. You will have the actual handfasting, the calling of ancestors, a sword exchange, vows, and a good stomp on the glass.

Question

Wait, swords? Like, real sharp and pointy's?

Answer

Yes. Real swords. Real. Sharp. Pointy. Norse and Scottish roots have a ceremony where live steel is shown, crossed, a familial oath given, and then the swords are traded, symbolizing that the connection will never be broken by violence.

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

It's Halloween. Come in costume! Seriously, come in costume. Any costume. Ok. make that any costume that is legal for you to be in public and has at least a PG rating to it. Or come in whatever makes you comfortable. No formal wear required, unless you are using that as your costume.

Question

Is this really happening in a cemetery?

Answer

Well, yes, and no. Yes, we are in Glendale Cemetery, but we are doing the ceremony at the chapel they have on the grounds, not in the actual graveyard. It truly is a breathtaking space, gorgeous with fall colors.

Question

This seems a bit....out there.

Answer

Have you met Brian and Ian? Trust us, this is tame.

Question

Is there anything expected of the audience?

Answer

Sit, enjoy company, watch a wedding ceremony, yell Mazel Tov at the right time, come prepared to see glitter.